Why Hiring a Squarespace Designer Freelance Makes Sense for Your Business
A squarespace designer freelance professional can transform your online presence by creating a custom, mobile-friendly website that drives real business results. Hiring the right expert ensures your site reflects your brand, reaches your target audience, and converts visitors into customers.
Quick Answer: Top Freelance Squarespace Designers to Hire
- Christian Daniel Designs – Best for small businesses and hospitality brands seeking custom, conversion-focused design
- Arc & Atlas (Justin Mabee) – Best for brand storytelling with 600+ websites built
- The Square Genius (Toni) – Best for purpose-led businesses and nonprofits
- Tiffany Davidson – Best for integrated SEO and Google ranking strategies
- Websites by Elise – Best for e-commerce and SEO services
- Dan Cohen – Best for clean, modern design aesthetics
- Backyard Creative (Claire) – Best for creatives and coaches with tiered packages
The cost of freelance Squarespace design has risen with demand. A basic site that cost $2,000 a few years ago now averages $4,000, while experienced designers charge $10,000 or more for custom builds. This is because modern websites must do more than look good—they need to rank on Google, convert visitors, and be flawless on mobile.
The challenge is finding a designer who delivers a site that actually grows your business, not just a pretty but ineffective one.
I’m Christian Daniel, and with over two decades of experience, I design custom Squarespace websites for hospitality and creative businesses. As a squarespace designer freelance professional, I specialize in combining visual storytelling with strategic SEO to drive measurable results.
Squarespace designer freelance glossary:
What to Look for in a Freelance Squarespace Designer
Finding the right squarespace designer freelance professional is crucial for shaping your brand’s online presence. You need a partner who understands your vision, industry, and what makes a website successful.
Services Offered by a Squarespace Designer
A talented designer offers more than just aesthetics. Key services include full site builds from concept to launch, online store setup with payment gateways, and crucial search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure your site gets found on Google. Other essential services are site functionality updates with custom code, scheduling integration for appointments, site migration from other platforms, and post-launch training and support. You can find more info about my Web Design Services on my site.
Average Costs for Hiring a Squarespace Designer
Understanding the investment is key. Newer designers now charge around $4,000 for a standard 5-6 page site in the US/Canada (£2,000 in the UK). These designers are still building their portfolios. Experienced designers and agencies like myself typically price fully customized, conversion-focused websites at $10,000 or more. On platforms like Fiverr, prices range from $55 for small tasks to an average of $674-$987 for a full site, but quality and experience vary widely.
| Designer Experience Level | Average Project Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Newer Designers | $4,000 USD (US/Canada) or £2,000 GBP (UK) | Standard 5-6 page site, basic SEO, mobile-friendly design |
| Experienced Designers | $10,000+ USD | Custom design, advanced SEO, brand strategy, integrations, ongoing support |
| Fiverr Marketplace | $55 – $987 USD | Varies widely by task complexity and designer experience |
Project Timelines
Most standard Squarespace projects take 2-6 weeks from start to finish. The timeline for a 5-10 page site depends heavily on how quickly you provide content and feedback. Complex projects with e-commerce or custom features will naturally take longer.
Key Questions to Ask
Before hiring, ask these critical questions:
- Can I review your portfolio of live websites?
- What is your experience with SEO for Squarespace?
- What is your revision process?
- What kind of post-launch support do you offer?
Vetting Process
To vet a designer, check if they are a member of Squarespace Circle, which indicates they are active and current with the platform. Read their reviews and testimonials carefully, looking for feedback on communication, timeliness, and long-term results. This upfront diligence will save you headaches later.
What to Look for in a Freelance Squarespace Designer
When searching for a squarespace designer freelance professional, you need someone who knows Squarespace and understands your business’s unique needs.
Services Offered by a Squarespace Designer
The best designers offer comprehensive services to build a site that gets results. This includes full site builds, online store setup (with payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and AfterPay), and essential search engine optimization (SEO) so customers can find you on Google. A good designer also handles site functionality updates with custom code (CSS/JavaScript), scheduling integration with tools like Acuity, site migration from platforms like WordPress, and provides training and support after launch. You can find More info about my Web Design Services on my site.
Average Costs for Hiring a Squarespace Designer
Website investment has evolved. A basic 5-page site from a newer designer now averages $4,000 in the US/Canada (£2,000 GBP in the UK). For a fully customized, conversion-driven website from an experienced designer like myself, projects typically start at $10,000 or more. On platforms like Fiverr, you can find services ranging from $55 for small tasks to an average of $987 for a full build, but the level of strategy and customization varies.
| Designer Experience Level | Average Cost (USD) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Newer Designers | $4,000 | Basic 5-6 page site, standard features, limited customization |
| Experienced Designers | $10,000+ | Fully customized design, strategic SEO, advanced features, ongoing support |
| Fiverr Maintenance | $55+ | Quick fixes and small updates |
| Fiverr Full Development | $987 | Complete site build with standard features |
Average Project Timeline
A standard 5-10 page website typically takes 2 to 6 weeks, while complex e-commerce sites may require 6 to 12 weeks or longer. The single biggest factor influencing the timeline is your responsiveness. Providing content, feedback, and approvals in a timely manner is crucial to keeping the project on schedule.
Key Questions to Ask When Hiring a Squarespace Designer
Come to your initial consultation prepared. Here are key questions to ask:
- Can I see examples of your previous Squarespace work?
- How do you approach design choices to balance aesthetics, user experience, and conversions?
- How do you ensure sites are optimized for performance, SEO, and mobile responsiveness?
- What is your process for handling revisions and feedback?
- What is your typical project timeline and how do you stay on schedule?
- What post-launch support or maintenance packages do you offer?
- What are your payment terms?
Vetting Process: Choosing the Right Squarespace Expert
Finding the right squarespace designer freelance professional requires careful vetting.
- Review their background: How long have they used Squarespace? Do they have experience in your industry?
- Scrutinize their portfolio: Look beyond aesthetics. Are the sites fast, easy to steer, and mobile-friendly?
- Check for Squarespace Circle membership: This indicates a higher level of commitment and expertise, as Experts are vetted by Squarespace.
- Read client reviews: Look for detailed testimonials that mention communication, project management, and results.
- Assess their SEO experience: Ask for examples of sites they’ve built that rank well in search results.
- Inquire about post-launch support: A great designer offers ongoing help, whether through training or maintenance packages.
The Top 7 Freelance Squarespace Designers for Hire
Finding the perfect squarespace designer freelance can be tough. To help, I’ve compiled a list of top designers, including myself, who excel in different niches.
1. Christian Daniel Designs (Best for Small Businesses & Hospitality)
That’s me! With over 20 years of experience, I help small businesses and hospitality brands in NYC and beyond create impactful online presences. My approach focuses on custom, fast, and mobile-friendly websites that not only look stunning but also drive conversions and rank high on Google. I collaborate directly with every client, applying two decades of experience to your business goals. My specialties include custom website design, SEO-focused builds, and creating online experiences that convert browsers into bookers. If you’re looking for a results-driven solution, I’m your guy. You can learn More info about Web Design for Small Businesses on my site.
2. Arc & Atlas (Justin Mabee) (Best for Brand Storytelling)
Justin Mabee of Arc & Atlas has launched over 600 custom websites. He excels at brand storytelling and conversion-driven design, crafting digital experiences that resonate with audiences. Justin emphasizes website accessibility and modern SEO practices, making him a fantastic choice for brands with a compelling story to tell.
3. The Square Genius (Toni) (Best for Purpose-Led Businesses)
Toni, the force behind The Square Genius, creates beautiful and functional sites for purpose-led businesses, nonprofits, and charities. With 8 years of experience, she delivers sites that are easy for clients to manage. As part of her environmental commitment, she plants 5 trees for every website built.
4. Tiffany Davidson (Best for Integrated SEO)
Tiffany Davidson is a squarespace designer freelance professional who lives and breathes SEO. Her custom websites are strategically built to rank high on Google from day one. She also offers monthly SEO retainers and teaches a Squarespace SEO course, making her ideal if visibility is your top priority.
5. Websites by Elise (Best for E-commerce & SEO)
Elise is a Squarespace web designer and SEO expert focused on helping small businesses thrive. Her specialty is combining e-commerce solutions with strategic SEO. Her approach integrates copywriting and optimization to ensure your site not only looks professional but also converts visitors into customers.
6. Dan Cohen (Best for Clean & Modern Design)
Dan Cohen is a New York-based designer known for his clean, modern, and minimal design aesthetic. His work appeals to small businesses and creatives who want a sophisticated online presence that makes a strong visual impact without overwhelming visitors.
7. Backyard Creative (Claire) (Best for Creatives & Coaches)
Claire of Backyard Creative is an official Squarespace Expert with over 200 websites under her belt. She specializes in working with creatives, coaches, and causes. Her tiered service model offers both Simple and Premium Squarespace Design, making professional design accessible at different price points.
How to Hire a Squarespace Designer Freelance
Ready to hire a squarespace designer freelance professional? Here’s a straightforward guide to your best options.
Hiring through Squarespace Circle & Referrals
The Squarespace Marketplace, powered by 99designs, is an excellent place to find vetted professionals. It connects you with official Squarespace Experts who are members of Squarespace Circle. These are experienced designers who have been vetted by Squarespace for quality, technical skill, and a client-first approach.
The “Get Matched” process is simple: you answer questions about your project, and the platform invites up to five fitting Experts to send you a quote. This saves you from sifting through hundreds of profiles. The platform also offers payment security by holding your payment in escrow until you approve the work. Alternatively, you can browse the directory and invite an Expert directly. For more guidance, check out my article on how to Hire a Squarespace Designer.
Hiring a Squarespace Designer Freelance via Direct Outreach
If you find a designer you love through their portfolio or a recommendation, direct outreach is a great option. This gives you complete control, but the vetting process is entirely on you. Before reaching out, review their portfolio for aesthetics and functionality (speed, mobile experience). Check testimonials and schedule an initial call to gauge their communication style and ensure they understand your needs. You’ll be working closely together, so a good personality fit is important.
The Process of Becoming a Squarespace Expert
Becoming a Squarespace Expert isn’t easy; the program is invitation-only to maintain high standards. To be considered, a designer must be an active Squarespace Circle member, typically having built at least eight websites in 12 months. The rigorous vetting process evaluates their experience, work quality, technical skills (including custom code), and a proven client-first approach. When you hire an Expert, you’re getting a designer whose skills have been validated by Squarespace itself.
Frequently Asked Questions about Freelance Squarespace Designers
How much can a squarespace designer freelance potentially earn?
The earning potential for a squarespace designer freelance professional is significant. A newer designer completing one project every two weeks at an average of $4,000 could earn $96,000 annually. Experienced designers charging $10,000 per site could see earnings of $240,000 or more. Income is influenced by project volume, pricing strategy, and client acquisition.
What services does a Squarespace designer offer?
A professional Squarespace designer offers a wide range of services beyond just visual design. These typically include:
- Full website design and development
- E-commerce and online store setup
- SEO optimization to improve Google ranking
- Custom coding (CSS/JavaScript) for unique features
- Site maintenance and ongoing updates
- Third-party tool and software integrations
- Scheduling system setup (e.g., Acuity)
- Site migration from other platforms (e.g., WordPress)
- Client training and post-launch support
How long does a Squarespace project typically take?
The timeline depends on the project’s scope. A standard 5-10 page website usually takes 2 to 6 weeks. More complex projects, such as e-commerce sites with extensive features, can take 6 to 12 weeks or longer. The most critical factor affecting the timeline is client responsiveness—providing content and feedback promptly is key to keeping the project on track.
Conclusion: Lift Your Brand with the Right Designer
Choosing the right squarespace designer freelance is more than just finding someone to build a website; it’s about partnering with a professional who can translate your vision into a powerful online asset. As I’ve highlighted, the benefits of hiring an expert far outweigh the complexities of a DIY approach, especially when it comes to SEO, mobile optimization, and custom functionality.
From understanding the diverse services a designer offers, to navigating average costs, and asking the crucial vetting questions, I hope this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. Whether you’re drawn to the brand storytelling of Arc & Atlas, the purpose-driven approach of The Square Genius, the SEO prowess of Tiffany Davidson, or my own expertise in custom designs for small businesses and hospitality, there’s a Squarespace designer out there perfectly suited to your needs.
Your website is often the first impression your business makes. Invest wisely, vet thoroughly, and collaborate openly. Ready to build a stunning, high-performing Squarespace site that genuinely reflects your brand and helps you achieve your business goals?
Contact me for your custom Squarespace Designer Freelance project and let me bring your digital vision to life!
